The Bible has a lot to say about zeal and being zealous. At its core, zeal is about having passion, eagerness and enthusiasm for something. When it comes to zeal in our spiritual lives and relationship with God, the Bible encourages zeal but also warns against misdirected zeal.
Being zealous for God and spiritual things
The Bible encourages us to be zealous and passionate in our love for God, in obeying his commands, and in doing spiritual good. Here are some verses that talk about having zeal and being zealous in a positive way:
- “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
- “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11 ESV)
- “For it is good to be zealous in a good thing always…” (Galatians 4:18 KJV)
- “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.” (Revelation 2:2-3)
The apostle Paul commends the Thessalonian church for their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope” and that the gospel came to them “not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 5) This demonstrates their zeal and eagerness for God.
In his letter to Titus, Paul instructs him to remind believers “to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” (Titus 3:1) The ready and eager attitude described here reflects zeal for doing what is right.
Peter exhorts Christians that just as they formerly lived to please their sinful desires, they should now live the rest of their time “for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:2) Instead of lacking zeal, we should have eagerness to live in a way that honors Christ.
Being passionate and enthusiastic for God’s house and glory
The Bible encourages zeal for God’s house, his glory and his honor. King David provides an amazing example of having zeal and passion for God’s house and glory.
In 2 Samuel 6:12-15, David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem with energetic worship and zeal: “So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the Lord with all his might.”
In 1 Chronicles 29, David displayed incredible zeal in gathering materials for building the temple. He says to the assembly: “Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?” Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the overseers of the king’s work gave willingly.” (1 Chronicles 29:5-6) The people followed David’s enthusiastic example and gave abundantly.
Many Psalms describe David’s zeal for the glory of God. For example, Psalm 69:9 says: “For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” David lived with zeal for God’s purposes on earth.
Being zealous in guarding against sin and false teaching
In the New Testament, we see examples of zeal against sin, false teaching and anything that dishonors God. Jesus displayed zealous anger when he drove the money changers out of the temple courts for turning it into a marketplace (Matthew 21:12-13). Paul was zealous in opposing the Judaizers who tried to add extra requirements to the gospel (Galatians 2). John repeatedly warned against false teachings in his epistles, at one point saying “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.” (3 John 1:9)
The Bible makes many calls for zeal against sin. Titus 2:14 describes Jesus as one “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Rather than doing wrong, Christians should be eager to do what is excellent and honorable.
Being zealous to make disciples and save souls
In addition to zeal for God and against evil, the Bible encourages zeal for expanding God’s kingdom on earth. In Romans 10:2, Paul says this about his fellow Israelites who do not know Christ: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” He desired that their sincere zeal would be redirected with true knowledge of Jesus.
In Romans 1:15, Paul writes, “So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” He had zeal to share the good news of Jesus with new people to bring them to salvation.
Paul’s young disciple Timothy provides another example of evangelistic zeal, as Paul urges him: “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5) The work of telling others the gospel requires passion and motivation.
Being zealous requires wisdom and seeking God’s will
While zeal is commended in many cases, the Bible also contains warnings against misdirected zeal. Zeal without knowledge and sincerity is often harmful. Paul admits prior to his conversion that he severely persecuted Christians because of misguided zeal (Philippians 3:6). His passion was sincere but needed complete redirection according to God’s will.
Proverbs 19:2 warns against acting without careful knowledge: “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” We need zeal and passion, but also wisdom and sound judgment.
In their zeal, Jesus’ disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritan village that rejected them, but Jesus rebuked them (Luke 9:52-55).
This examples show that zeal must be paired with seeking God’s will. Paul instructs Titus to remind believers “to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” (Titus 3:1) Readiness for good work must be within the will of God.
Being zealous while avoiding pride and selfish ambition
There is also a danger that zeal can become selfish ambition and prideful if we are not careful. James 3:13-16 warns that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in our zeal can lead to boasting and every evil practice. Instead, “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
Paul urged the Philippian church to unity and humility, saying: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Our zeal must be focused on eternal things like pleasing God, bearing spiritual fruit, and bringing him glory. If it becomes about proving ourselves better than others or any form of personal glory, then it loses its biblical foundation.
Balancing zeal with spiritual perseverance and patience
An area that often requires wisdom is balancing zeal with patience and steadfastness. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” This encourages us to have passion in serving God on earth. However, the work of God usually advances through steadfast endurance.
James 1:2-4 encourages patience in trials for spiritual growth: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Passion plus perseverance is needed.
Paul describes his ministry as “in unfailing endurance and in many trials, in hardships and distresses…” (2 Corinthians 6:4-5) Along with zeal, endurance was essential.
The early church zealously prayed before choosing Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as the 12th apostle, but then it took over a decade of persecution and steady discipleship before the church began to multiply rapidly. They had to learn patience along with their passion.
Examples of godly figures in the Bible who modeled zeal
Along with David who was mentioned earlier, many other biblical figures provide inspiring examples of godly zeal:
- The Apostle Paul – One of the most zealous figures in the Bible, he went on three long missionary journeys to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, often in the face of persecution and hardship.
- Josiah – The righteous king of Judah who zealously instituted religious reforms and renewed the nation’s covenant with God (2 Kings 23:1-27).
- Phinehas – The priest who was zealous for God’s honor when he executed an Israelite man and Midianite woman involved in idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25:1-18).
- Elijah – The fiery prophet who confronted idolatry and evil in Israel with zeal for the Lord’s glory.
- Peter and John – They boldly spread the gospel and healed in Jesus’ name after his ascension, refusing to stop despite opposition (Acts 3-4).
Being zealous does not justify wrong attitudes or actions
It’s important to understand that having zeal and strong conviction does not justify having an arrogant, critical or intolerant attitude. Zeal should be paired with humility, wisdom, patience and love.
Romans 14:1 says: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” And 1 Corinthians 13:2 says: “If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Even the most devoted zeal means nothing without love.
Galatians 6:1 gives guidance on gently restoring someone overtaken in sin: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Zeal must be paired with careful humility.
How to cultivate godly zeal in your life
If you feel like your spiritual life has become listless and lacking in passion, here are some biblical keys to cultivate fresh zeal:
- Spend time reading and meditating on scripture to be freshly reminded of God’s truth and glory.
- Joyfully worship the Lord with songs of praise.
- Pray for a renewed spiritual fire and enthusiasm to serve God.
- Take steps of faith and obedience outside your comfort zone.
- Find a like-minded Christian friend who can encourage you spiritually.
- Do a study on the exciting works of God throughout history to boost your perspective.
- Look for opportunities to bless others and share the gospel.
- Read biographies of zealous followers of Christ to gain wisdom and model their faith.
Warnings against religious zeal without love and truth
While godly zeal is commended in scripture, the Bible strongly warns against religious zeal that lacks love for others and basis in truth. There is a particular warning against self-righteous and hypocritical zeal.
Jesus strongly confronted the Pharisees who were meticulous about minor religious practices but neglected love, mercy and justice (Matthew 23:23). He said their zeal makes new converts twice the sons of hell as themselves (Matthew 23:15).
In Romans 10:2, Paul warned about zeal without knowledge. He said of his fellow unbelieving Jews, “I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” Their sincere zeal missed the truth.
The apostle James rebuked those who slander and judge their brothers in the faith, saying, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12) Self-righteous zeal is strongly warned against.
Galatians 4:17-18 counsels, “They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you.” Zeal to make converts can be for selfish purposes.
Conclusion
In summary, zeal is a quality celebrated in the Bible when rightly directed for serving God and fueling our spiritual lives. The key is that zeal must go hand-in-hand with seeking God’s will, loving others, having biblical knowledge, being patient, and avoiding selfish ambition.
Passion for God’s glory is wonderful, but must be balanced with humility and sound wisdom from above. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:2, even incredible zeal without love is meaningless. By walking in the Spirit with God’s guidance, our zeal can powerfully advance God’s work on earth.